Two weeks of awesomeness...Bolivia vs Colombia

Hello everyone,

I'm planning my next (short) escape in February.
I can't decide between Colombia and Bolivia.
Doing a multi day hike is a priority, as well as some chilling. Also looking for some amazing photography spots.
IS it safe to take a dslr to Bolivia? I went to Brazil some years ago, and I will never consider carrying my big camera around in Brazil.
I was kind of leaning towards Bolivia (amazing scenery, salt flats etc), but Colombia seems more relaxing, ...and I love coffee.

Considering I have two weeks at the end of February, looking for some hiking and relaxing, which of the two countries would you choose?

Thanks.
(also posted on the Colombia branch)

I've not been to Colombia, but I can tell you that Bolivia can readily offer what you seem to be interested in, and it will cost less than half as much in all likelihood.

Yes, it is safe to take a DSLR to Bolivia. I wouldn't strut all over La Paz of Santa Cruz with it dangling around my neck--they are big cities, after all--but overall I don't think you should have any problems. Mugging and robbery in general are negligible problems in Bolivia compared with Brazil.

Bolivia can be very relaxing, and spots like Coroico and Samaipata are wonderful places to kick back and soak in the atmosphere. You'll find, in general, that you're more relaxed if you fly. Airfare is absurdly cheap in Bolivia and can save you entire days on the bus.

I have travelled in both countries for about 6 weeks (each). Both are beautiful and I like the vibe of Colombia but I think the really special highlights (also for making photos) are in Bolivia. Two weeks could get you for example to Lake Titicaca (incl. some hiking on Isla de Sol), La Paz, a flight to the pampa/jungle (Rurrenabaque), Potosi/Sucre and of course the salt planes (Salar de Uyuni), one of the most amazing sceneries in the world. If you like also trekking also close to La Paz there is the Cordillera Real.

But considering your plans I think there is one (big) problem, you are likely to be in rainy season in Bolivia (do a search for that) which might cause serious problems for the access of roads and the salt planes.

both great countries and offer different things , Colombia is more modern and have beaches also. The people are more outgoing in Colombia. Bolivia a lot more indigenous and will have more potential "issues" like protests and roadblocks that could interfere with a short schedule (and you cant predict these). Additionally you have to take into account acclimatizing which will be more of a hindrance in Bolivia for a short trip.
That said , for photos I would say Bolivia has better subject matter (personal preference of course).

Is it safe to take a DSLR to la paz - of course , but it will all depend on what YOU do and how YOU act. It is fine to walk round in the day time in many areas of La Paz with it in full view if you are going to keep you hands on it and be aware of your surroundings. You have it dangling behind you in a busy market area and it will be up for sale in a market in El Alto by that afternoon

Bolivia produces coffee also , just that Colombia is more famous for it. Unfortunately there is not an abundance of great cafes selling it but if you know where to find it you can find great coffee. In Zona Sur in the San Miguel area there are two quite new boutique cafes that offer high quality coffee, some imported but a lot from Bolivia, and you can choose your preparation method, blend etc This would be a great place for you to try out some top quality coffee.One of them sometimes has talks in the evenings by experts area.

People often talk about rainy season causing problems for travelling when in reality it doesn't cause that many problems for most travelers. Yes the roads become damaged and it can take longer to go on certain routes but usually these are the same routes - between La Paz and Uyuni and sometimes between La Paz - Potosi - .Sucre. What usually happens is buss take longer alternative routes adding several hours to the journey. For a short schedule such as yours you could avoid these issues by flying instead. The flights to Rurre and back can experience delays but now the runway is paved it is rare a delay is longer that a day (vast majority of flights to leave the day they are scheduled)

I definitely agree with #3, Bolivia is a pretty good coffee producer too. Traditionally most of its coffee was being ruined for lack of knowledge of how to properly roast and prepare, but lately small high quality producers/brands seem to be popping up all over the place.

The Alexander Coffee places, to be found in several spots in La Paz, offer very drinkable coffee too (in cups as well as in beans or grained in bags, to take home and brew your own fresh cup). And have you tried the new coffee place inside the Gisbert bookstore near Plaza Murillo yet, tunabagel? I've been meaning to for weeks, but haven't had the time yet. Will soon, seems worth a try.

no not tried that one yet - i currently have zero time spare during the days whilst im in the center (as in cannt leave the office until after 7pm ) so will be a while until I can go looking for it. I believe there is a good one inside Casona Hotel on Prado also (the same as one of the san miguel ones). About time we had some great coffee places . Alex coffee is passable, but isnt really really good, the little cafe insid San Franciscio museum always used to do a good coffee using imported Italian beans.

#5:
I put the deed to the word, as us Dutch say, and tried that coffee place inside Gisbert . Was really good! There's some eight or ten different brands and roasts to choose from in Bolivian coffee and then they have a selection of Peruvian, Costarican and (here's the good news for OP :) ) Colombian coffees to choose from too.
I had an espresso made from (Bolivian) Buena Vista 'eco-roast' (whatever that means...) and it was excellent, I must say. Comes in proper espresso dose, unlike in a lot of other places here. Strong, but a wonderful aroma. Will try more flavours soon :)

Agreed on your estimation of Alexander, but that's why I said 'drinkable' and not 'excellent' under #4 :)

That place in the San Francisco museum was owned by a good acquaintance of mine, a fellow Dutch who also imported and maintained Italian coffee machines. Sadly enough he passed away a couple of months ago and I don't if his widow held on to that place or not. But without him at the helm, I'm not too sure if they'd be able to keep up its quality. Will have to check and report back.